In the original dustsheet. Black cloth binding with silver title on the spine.

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Alex Higgins was a showman, gambler, comedian, bully, charmer and alcoholic. His antics – and ferocious temper – were legendary, yet he was loved by millions. Born on a council estate in Belfast, Alex Higgins left school at 15. At 17 he won the Northern Ireland and All Ireland snooker championships, and turned professional when he was 20. In 1972, aged just 23, he became the youngest person ever to win the world championship. He triumphed again in an emotional final ten years later, in the process becoming the biggest box-office draw the game has ever known. But by the end of his tumultuous life he was reduced to surviving by playing £10 snooker matches in pubs.

Bill Borrows vividly reconstructs the terrifying roller coaster ride that was Higgins’ life. Outrageous, gripping and emotionally wrenching, this is the definitive account of one of the most charismatic and self-destructive men in British sport.

Review: “‘Jaw-dropping reading… whether you like snooker or not, it’s as good a “wild man” story as you’re likely to read.’ Dave Faulkner, Time Out * ‘Harrowing, incredulous and hilarious… I genuinely read this unauthorised portrait of Alex Higgins in one sitting, so compelling is the tale of this disturbed genius.’ Brian Reade, Daily Mirror ‘Borrows shows how Higgins almost destroyed himself through his addictive, psychotic personality. At times the book almost reads like a script for a horror film’ Leo McKinstry, Sports Books of the Year, Sunday Telegraph ‘A reminder of Higgin’s wild and wretched ways, but also of his genius.’ Nick Pitt, Sports Books of the Year, Sunday Times”